The highly successful Malayalam action-comedy film Bha Bha Ba, featuring superstars Mohanlal and Dileep, is finally making its transition from the big screen to the digital space. After creating a significant impact at the box office, the movie has locked its online streaming debut, much to the anticipation of fans across the country and the diaspora.
Digital Premiere Details and Box Office Triumph
Bha Bha Ba will begin its online streaming journey exclusively on the platform ZEE5. The official announcement confirmed that the film will premiere on January 16. The OTT platform heralded its arrival with the message: “Powerhouse Entertainer is Here… Bha Bha Bha Premieres 16th Jan On Malayalam ZEE5.”
For the initial digital release, only the original Malayalam version of the film will be available. There is currently no confirmed update regarding the online release of its dubbed versions in other languages.
The film's move to OTT comes on the heels of a robust theatrical performance. According to data from industry tracker Sacnilk, Bha Bha Ba secured a place among the top 10 biggest Malayalam openers of the year. It collected an impressive ₹6.7 crore net in India on its very first day. The film also set a personal record for actor Dileep, marking his career-best opening day in the competitive US market.
Cast, Crew, and Plot of the Action-Comedy
Directed by Dhananjay Shankar, Bha Bha Ba boasts a powerhouse ensemble cast. Alongside the leading duo of Mohanlal and Dileep, the film features Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan, Sandy, Balu Varghese, Baiju Santhosh, Saranya Ponvannan, Sidharth Bharathan, and Redin Kingsley in pivotal roles.
Fans of Mohanlal have a special reason to celebrate, as the veteran actor appears in an extended cameo throughout the film. The movie was shot extensively across locations in Coimbatore, Pollachi, Kochi, and Perumbavoor, and has a runtime of 153 minutes.
The plot, as described on IMDb, revolves around “three interconnected lives, with one being a successful conman who continuously deceives others without facing consequences.” The story kicks off with the kidnapping of CK Joseph, the newly elected Chief Minister of Kerala, by a person claiming to be a "commoner." This kidnapper then starts collecting grievances from the public to present them directly to the CM.
A police investigation led by the CM's son soon reveals that the kidnapper is actually an individual grappling with a mental health condition. What follows is a spoof-filled action-comedy escapade that unravels the true motive behind this unprecedented kidnapping.
Release Amidst Controversy
The theatrical release of Bha Bha Ba on December 18, 2025, was shrouded in controversy and public debate. The film hit cinemas globally almost 10 days after actor Dileep was acquitted in a high-profile 2017 sexual assault case.
Following the court's verdict, Dileep publicly stated that the case was a conspiracy aimed at destroying his career and public image. He accused the police and media of participating in a campaign to tarnish his reputation. In a statement quoted by PTI, the 58-year-old actor said, “It was done to destroy my career, image, and life in society.” This backdrop added a layer of intense public scrutiny to the film's release, which nonetheless managed to achieve commercial success.
As Bha Bha Ba prepares for its wide digital reach on ZEE5, it brings together a tale of box office numbers, star power, and real-world drama, promising to engage a whole new audience online.
